Remote video transmission system

ABSTRACT

A remote video transmission system for digitizing and compressing an audio/visual signal, transmitting that signal over low band width lines, such as land telephone lines, cellular telephone lines, or radio frequencies, decompressing the digitized data and converting it to an audio/visual signal for broadcast. Components of this system include: A remote unit, a host unit, and a playback unit. The remote unit is capable of digitizing and compressing the audio/visual signal as well as transmitting the compressed, digitized data. Data may be divided and sent to multiple ports for output. Data may also be edited prior to transmission. The host unit is automated to receive data transmitted from the remote unit and reassemble the data if it has been divided. The playback unit stores and automatically catalogs transmitted data files. The player unit also decompresses the digitized data files and converts them to an audio/visual signal which may then be broadcast. The audio/visual signal can either be NTSC, PAL, or Y/C video.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to capturing a video signal at one location andtransmitting that signal to another location over telephone lines,cellular, radio and other telemetric frequencies.

Advances in the information highway promotes the United States as aworld leader in the computer, video and broadcast industries. Thisinvention adds to that information highway.

Transmission of a real time video signal from a remote location to abase location is conventionally done by one of two methods: Microwave orsatellite. Equipment associated with these methods is extremelyexpensive and has significant limitations. The large amount of equipmentnecessary for satellite technology for remote transmission requires thatthe equipment be installed in trucks having an integral satellite dish.The signal is received from the video camera, beamed to the satellite,and then beamed to the base location for broadcast. The enormous amountof equipment and the sophisticated technology required makes satellitetransmission extremely expensive and impractical for many applications.Satellite transmission does, however, send real time broadcast qualitysignals. The costs associated with satellite transmission arejustifiable for large events such as sporting events where transmissioncould be made from a single location over a sustained period of time. Itis not practical, however, for coverage such as news coverage whereshort segments from many different locations are necessary. An examplewould be in covering a natural disaster. Speed in obtaining andbroadcasting video footage is a competitive requirement in newsgathering situations.

The required set up time and inaccessibility of the satellite truck aresignificant additional limitations to satellite type transmission.

Microwave transmission technology overcomes some of the limitations ofsatellite technology but has several additional limitations of its own.Microwave transmission systems are less expensive and require lessequipment. With a microwave system, a video signal is obtained andtransmitted from the remote location at microwave frequencies from avehicle mounted transmitting antenna to a base antenna for broadcast.

Difficulties have been encountered using this technology in aligning theantenna on the vehicle with the base antenna. Obstructions between thetransmitting antenna and the base antenna may also prevent passage ofthe signal. Setup limitations also inhibit the use of microwavetransmission systems in obtaining short segments of video at onelocation, transmission of that signal, moving to another location,transmission, movement, etc. Transmission is also limited toaccessibility of the vehicle to the location of the subject matter.

The limitations of satellite and microwave technology have forced videobroadcasters to devise alternative means of transmission, which mayinclude: Setting up a remote microwave or satellite transmission postand transporting segments on video tape to it from multiple remotelocations. More often, broadcasters capture video segments on tape andthen manually transport those tapes back to the station as quickly aspossible for broadcast.

With the establishment and advancements in cellular technology,television broadcasters have begun sending teams into remote locationsfor reports transmitted via cellular telephone. Cellular technologyprovides the ability to access a location and immediately reportinformation back to the station. This use of cellular telephonestransmits voice messages only and excludes video transmissionaltogether. Cellular technology has also been used to transmit data suchas facsimile and computer file transmissions from one location toanother. Cellular telephones have been quick to transmit data receivedfrom a facsimile machine or computer having a modem to a second faxmachine or computer. Cellular combined with computer technology hasnever been used, however, to transmit a broadcast quality video signal.

A need, therefore, exists in the art for a highly portable,cost-effective method and apparatus for capturing and transmission ofbroadcast quality video from a remote location to a base location. Aneed also exists for a capture and transmission apparatus over cellular,land lines, or radio or other frequencies. Additionally, with thecurrent FCC limitations regarding cellular transmissions from airbornecraft an additional need is evidenced for video over the radio or othertelemetric frequencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a method and meansfor capturing full-color, full-motion audio/video signals, digitizingand compressing the signals into a digitized data file, and transmittingthe signals over telephone lines, cellular, radio and other telemetricfrequencies.

A second object includes splitting the digitized, compressed,audio/video signal prior to transmission in order to reduce transmissiontime.

A further object is to provide an apparatus that will transmitaudio/video files for immediate broadcast over radio frequencies,cellular telephone frequencies, or land telephone lines.

An apparatus to accomplish this purpose includes a remote unit, a hostunit, and a player or a basic embodiment includes a remote and acombined host/player unit. This apparatus provides the capability ofdigitizing and compressing a signal which is then transmitted over lowband width lines.

The remote unit includes means for digitizing and compressing a videosignal, storage of the digitized and compressed data file, andtransmission of this data file over telephone lines, cellular, radio andother telemetric frequency. The remote unit may also split the data fileprior to transmission for multiple simultaneous transmissions in orderto reduce transmission time. The host unit is automated to receive thetransmitted data file, recombine it if it has been split, and store therecombined data file to the playback unit. The playback unit stores andautomatically catalogs transmitted data files. The playback unit alsodecompresses the digitized data file and converts it to an audio/visualsignal for broadcast.

In one preferred embodiment, an audio/visual signal is input into theremote unit from a video camera at a remote location. The remote unit isa combination portable personal computer having one or more computerinterfaces and a corresponding number of cellular telephones. Computersoftware loaded on a hard disk drive in the remote unit instructs it tocapture the input signal to a video capture card within the remote unit.The video capture card takes the audio/visual signal, digitizes it intoa computer data file, and compresses that data file. Once digitized andcompressed, the data file is captured in the computer's memory by acapture module on the video capture card. A software sequence theninstructs the computer central processing unit to store the captureddata file on the computer's hard disk drive. After the video file hasbeen captured, it may be edited as desired prior to transmission to thehost unit.

Once stored, a computer program sequence removes the digitized data fromthe hard drive, breaks the data file, and sends it to one or morecomputer interfaces which transmit the data file, using a correspondingnumber of cellular telephones, to the host unit. The data file is splitand organized so as to reduce the amount of time of transmission of thedata file.

A software sequence installed on the remote unit automatically catalogsdata files stored in the system hard drive. These files are catalogedvisually on a computer monitor for easy visual recognition. A singleframe of video from each stored data file is displayed on the monitor ina catalog array to allow the operator the ability to quickly identifythe file and select a file for retrieval or transmission to the hostunit as required.

In an alternate embodiment, a basic one, the signal is not dividedbefore it is transmitted. In this alternate embodiment, only a singleinterface and a single cellular phone are necessary.

The host unit is a desktop personal computer with installedcommunications software and one or more computer interfaces connected toa corresponding number of telephone lines. The interfaces are set toreceive transmitted data files from the remote unit.

If the data files have been split for transmission, a software programrecombines the split file back to its original single data file. Acomputer monitor is connected to the host unit for viewing of the storeddata files at the host unit. A software program also copies thisrecombined data file to a network hard disk drive of the playback unit.The host unit and the playback unit are interfaced to allow transfer ofdata files. The computer to computer interface between the host unit andthe playback unit is a computer network in the preferred embodiment,however, any known port to port connection could be substituted.

The playback unit is the interface between captured video and the mastercontrol which outputs the signal. Once the recombined data file has beenstored on the networked hard disk drive of the playback unit, the datafile may then either remain stored for later use or retrieved forbroadcast.

Stored data files may be edited at the host location as desired.

For broadcast, a video card located in the playback unit retrieves thestored data file, decompresses the file, and converts the digitized datato VGA. The video card in the playback unit is similar to the video cardin the remote unit with the exception that the card in the playback unitdoes not have a capture module.

Once the data file has been decompressed and converted to digital, aconverter card converts the VGA signal to the desired signal forbroadcast (NTSC, PAL, Y/C video, etc.) Hardware playback of the signalor output of the signal is to a monitor or VCR for storage onconventional video tape or immediate broadcast.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent inview of the drawings and following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the components and the sequence of the process of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is the control screen of the remote unit.

FIG. 3 is the configuration screen of the remote unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The drawings represent the present invention wherein FIG. 1 depicts theremote unit 2, wherein the input signal is captured, compressed,digitized, and transmitted to a host unit 3 which receives thetransmitted video signal and stores it to playback unit 4 where it canbe output to a monitor or edited for playback or broadcast. In thepreferred embodiment, the data file is split by the remote unit 2 priorto transmission to the host unit 3. The host unit 3 recombines the splitdata file and stores it to playback unit 4 via a computer network.

In the preferred embodiment, remote unit 2 is a portable personalcomputer having a 486DX-2/66 motherboard, 10-inch plasma display, 210 MBnotebook hard disk drive, MS DOS Vet. 6.2 operating system, Microsoft®Windows™ Ver. 3.1, Microsoft® Video for Windows, Procom Plus® forWindows, trackball bus mouse, high speed serial ports, 1 MB Windowsaccelerator video card, video capture card with capture module, audiocapture card, SVGA to NTSC converter, SVGA video adapter. The remoteunit also has up to four computer interfaces such as modems, eachconnected to a cellular telephone.

A signal is input into remote unit 2 from any device having the capacityto output a video signal 1, such as a video camera, video cassetterecorder/player, laser disc player, etc. The video signal received bythe remote unit can be of any generally known format, such as NTSC, PAL,and Y/C video (or S video). The remote unit 2 is designed to be portableso that it can be transported and used in areas which are inaccessibleor unsuited for a conventional desktop personal computer. It isunderstood, however, that remote unit 2 could be a desktop computer orhave variations in its internal configuration.

The video signal input into the remote unit is received by a video cardhaving a capture module therein. Such a card is available commerciallyfrom Intel/IBM. A computer software program such as "VIDEO FOR WINDOWS"available from MicroSoft® operates with the video card and capturemodule to capture, digitize, and compress the video signal into a datafile. Other software packages are commercially available for use inoperating environments other than windows and may be substituted for"VIDEO FOR WINDOWS."

A software sequence, discussed below, instructs "VIDEO FOR WINDOWS" whatparameters to capture the file under. A permanent capture file is storedon the hard disk of the remote unit and is called up into the remoteunit's RAM where an input video signal is captured. This permanentcapture file has a 10 Mb default, however, in the event a larger file iscreated, the capture file will expand to the requisite size.

The capture card in the remote unit uses BIT-MAP technology to captureand display motion of the video file. BIT-MAP technology is suitable inorder to maximize transmission speed.

As it is being captured in the capture file, the input signal is beingdigitized and compressed. The digitized and compressed data file is thennamed and captured in the computer's random access memory (RAM) fortransmission to the host unit. The "VIDEO FOR WINDOWS" software packageallows for editing of a data file once captured. In this way, editingcan be accomplished at the remote location prior to transmission of thefile. The digitized, compressed, and captured file is displayed visuallyon the monitor.

As stated above, the video file is captured according to systemparameters selected on the remote unit for each data file. The capturesoftware sequence A includes the following steps:

CAPTURE SOFTWARE SEQUENCE A

1. A video palette file is copied to "MICROSOFT® WINDOWS™" clipboard.This video palette file is a created data file stored on the hard diskof the remote. This video palette file is created with "VIDEO FORWINDOWS" by loading a video clip and extracting the color palette fromthat clip.

2. The second step is that the control screen is painted on the monitorof the remote without pictures. FIG. 2 depicts this control screen 20with boxes, collectively 22, shown without pictures therein.

3. Bit map files are obtained and displayed into boxes 22 of screen 20.A different bit map file will be displayed in each box 22 on screen 20.Bit map files are created by "VIDEO FOR WINDOWS" by retrieving the firstframe of video from the captured video file, supplying the color fromthe stored palette file, and displaying this image in one of the boxes22. These video files are displayed (or catalogued) on control screen 20to allow quick identification and selection of a file for retrieval ortransmission. The remote unit is capable of storing and displaying up toeight (8) bit map files. When the ninth file is captured, the softwarewill automatically overwrite the oldest captured data file and displaythis new file on control screen 20.

4. The software sequence then reads the configuration files created as aresult of user selection of capture and storage parameters. Theseparameters are input form a set of selection buttons found on controlscreen 20 of FIG. 2.

5. The user selects whether the video signal will be captured eitherwith or without audio. "SELECTION" button 28 on control screen 20 ofFIG. 2 requests the choice of capture and storage of audio. Theselection buttons on screen 20 are activated using any conventionalmeans such as the computer keyboard, mouse, or similar pointing device.An audio capture card installed in the remote unit captures the audio ofan input signal. Capture with audio makes the data file longer since theaudio signal must also be digitized, compressed, and stored in theremote unit's hard disk. It is evident that the longer the data file,the longer the time required for transmission of the entire data filefrom the remote unit to the host unit. It is often desirable to transmitvideo files only without audio in situations where a broadcast stationwants to provide video footage of a situation quickly. It is desirablefor broadcast stations to provide such video coverage as quickly aspossible after a newsworthy event has taken place, such as an accidentor natural disaster. In these situations, it is desirable to broadcastthe video footage of the incident in a remote location. Audio coveragecan be made by a reporter on location in another fashion, such as over acellular telephone.

6. The software sequence reads the configuration files created as aresult of user selection of capture and storage parameters. Theseparameters are input from a "SELECTION" button 30 marked "CONFIGURE"found on screen 20 of FIG. 2. Selection of the "CONFIGURE" selectionbutton 30 calls up a configuration file from the remote hard disk: Theconfiguration file opens a "Window" bringing up a screen showing thecapture configuration options. FIG. 3 depicts the configuration screen36 which appears as a result of selecting the configuration "SELECTION"button 30 of FIG. 2. It is not necessary to input a set of configurationparameters each time a video signal is captured since the system storesthe previous set of configuration parameters which were selected for theprevious capture sequence.

The configuration parameters are discussed below.

7. Once the configuration parameters are selected, the video card in theremote unit captures the input video signal to its memory. Captureincludes digitizing the input video signal to form a binary data fileand then compressing that file. The file is compressed in order toconserve memory space and reduce transmission time. The remote unit thenstores the digitized and compressed video signal as a data file with a.cap extension on the hard disk. The capture sequence is initiated byactivation of the "CAPTURE" selection button 32.

8. "EXIT" selection button 34 allows the user to exit the capturesoftware sequence to a DOS prompt. The capture software sequence may beexited prior to powering off the remote unit after a video sequence iscaptured, transmitted, viewed, or edited.

9. After the video sequence is captured, it may be viewed, edited, ortransferred to the host unit. Each bit map file box 22 has a "VIEW"selection button 24 and a "TRANSFER" selection button 26. Upon selectionof "VIEW" button 24, a captured video data file may be retrieved fromthe remote hard disk and the video sequence run. The video sequence isdisplayed in its respective bit map file box 22.

"VIDEO FOR WINDOWS" provides the system the capability for editing acaptured data file on the remote unit before it is transmitted to a hostunit. As the file is being viewed, sequences may be deleted or editedtogether as desired.

Selection of "TRANSFER" button 26 initiates the transfer softwaresequence B and file splitting software sequence C, discussed below. Thecaptured, digitized and compressed data file is then automaticallytransmitted to the host unit.

FIG. 3 depicts the configuration screen. Selection of the "CONFIGURE"button 30 of the capture screen 20, FIG. 2, calls up a storedconfiguration file. This configuration file displays the configurationscreen 36 of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, the default directory request 38 allows for achoice of host name. Default directory listing 38 is a listing of allthe host locations to which a data file may be transmitted. Choosing ahost name in default directory 38 accesses the transmission parametersfor that host name entered and stored in a transfer file, discussedbelow.

Phone parameter 40 allows for selection of the number of cellulartelephones to be used to transmit the captured data file from the remoteunit to the host unit. The greater the number of cellular telephonesused to transmit, the lesser the transmission time. It is oftendesirable to transmit a video file as quickly as possible, especially inbroadcast news situations where the goal is to broadcast video clips ofdeveloping news features as soon as possible. Although there is notheoretical limit to the number of cellular telephones which may beinstalled in the remote unit upon combination of additional processors,it has been found that between two and four are sufficient for mostapplications.

Capture length parameter 42 allows for selection of the length of thevideo sequence to be captured. Generally, video sequences will bebetween five (5) and one hundred twenty (120) seconds in length.

The video card is capable of capturing an input video signal at aselected number of frames per second. Frames per second parameter 46allows for this selection on configuration screen 36. The number offrames per second in which the video card will capture a video sequencegenerally ranges between one (1) and thirty (30) frames/second. As thenumber of frames per second in which the file is captured increases, theresultant captured file will approach full motion when it is viewed uponplayback. It follows that the greater number of frames captured persecond, the larger the data file will be upon capture, which willrequire a longer transmission time. It is the option of the user toselect the desired number of frames per second, understanding that videoquality may be sacrificed for transmission speed. In situations wherethe video subject is stationary, or moving slowly, this sacrifice invideo quality may not be present.

In situations where multiple remote units transmit back to a single hostunit, it is desirable to identify the remote unit from whichtransmission is commenced. This naming convention is advantageous toensure the stored file on the host unit will not be overwritten by anidentically named video file of different content. Remote # parameter 44allows for selection of a remote unit number between 00 and 99. Uponcapture, a data file is created and named with an identification of theremote unit number.

The call letter selection parameter 48 allows for input of the callletters of the host broadcast station to which the captured file will betransmitted. Any four (4) characters may be entered as the station callletters. When the capture file is created, it will be named with theinput call letters in addition to the remote number as discussed above.The captured file will have a file extension .cap. Input of the callletters is desirable when a remote unit transmits to several host unitslocated at different broadcast stations having different call letters.

Audio capture parameter 50 identified whether capture of audio has beenselected on capture software sequence A, FIGURE 2. Audio captureparameter 50 will either display "AUDIO IS ON" or "AUDIO IS OFF,"depending upon the previous selection.

Selection buttons 52, 54, and 56 of capture configuration screen 36 areselection buttons commonly found using the "MICROSOFT®WINDOWS™"environment. "CANCEL" selection button 52 instructs the remote unit todisregard any changes made on the configuration screen 36 and abort backto the control screen 20, FIG. 2. When "CANCEL" button 52 is selected,the remote unit will default back to the previously stored parameters.

If changes are made to the capture configuration screen 36, thosechanges can be stored as a configuration file on the disk drive.Selection button 54, marked "OK" instructs the remote unit to write overthe previously saved configuration file. This new set of parameters willthen become the default parameters until further changes are made usingconfiguration screen 36.

The "CHANGE DIR" selection button 56 allows changes to be made to thedialing directories in the transfer software sequence B discussed below.Selection of the "CHANGE DIR" button 56 calls up the stored dialingdirectory file which allows changes to be made to the dialing directoryused with the transfer software sequence C.

Upon selection, a program file is retrieved from the transfer softwaresequence B stored on the hard disk drive. This program file paints adialog directory screen on the monitor of the remote unit to allowchanges to be made to the dialing directory. If no changes arenecessary, the transfer software sequence will use the previously storedinformation. The dialing directory screen is similar to dialingdirectory screens used with communications software packagescommercially available with the exception that this dialing directoryincludes dialing information for each transmission line in the remoteunit. In the preferred embodiment, there are four modems and fourcellular telephones installed. Hence, there will be dialing directoryinformation for each cellular telephone.

The dialing directory information stored in transfer software sequenceB, and displayed in the dialing directory screen, lists the first andlast name and telephone number of the receiving host unit. When thecorrect dialing directory information is input, it may be saved into thetransfer file and the dialing directory screen exited.

Once the dialing directory information is stored and the dialingdirectory screen exited, capture screen 20 of FIG. 2 is again displayedon the monitor. The remote unit is now ready to transmit the newlycaptured video sequence to the host unit. Transmission of a data file isaccomplished by selecting the "TRANSFER" button 26 in the bit map filebox 22 containing the first frame of video of the file to betransmitted. Selection of "TRANSFER" button 26 initiates the transfersoftware sequence B and the file splitting software sequence C.

Transfer software sequence B enables the remote unit to communicate withthe host unit to transmit a stored data file using the system hardware.Transfer software sequence B contains all of the instructions necessaryto initialize the communications ports on the remote, obtain a cellularconnection with each cellular telephone to the host unit, obtain thestored data file, initiate file splitting sequence C, and transmit thesplit data file. The remote unit uses the run time module of acommunications software package, such as Procom Plus® for WINDOWS™ whichis loaded onto the remote. Communications software packages such asProcom Plus® for WINDOWS™ are available commercially.

Upon selection of the transfer button 26 of FIG. 2, the configurationfile is read containing the configuration parameters selected above.This includes the dialing directory information. Transfer softwaresequence B is then called for each communications port to which the datafile will be transmitted. Each modem interfaces through a differentcommunications port. In the preferred embodiment, transfer softwaresequence B will be called four times.

TRANSFER SOFTWARE SEQUENCE B

1. The first program called for a communications port (COM1) controlsthe transfer process. COM1 also controls the monitor display notifyingthe operator of the throughput, size of the file, and the percentagecomplete.

2. Each of the other communications ports communicates with COM1 in theWindows™ environment, using dynamic data exchange (DDE). DDE is known inthe industry and allows multiple applications to share information.

3. COM1 calls file splitting software sequence C, discussed below, andinitiates the splitting of the data file. The data file is split into10K pieces, or files. Each 10K file is created with a DOS archive bitset affixed to the file. As each 10K file of the data file is created,it is stored having a sequential file name extension from 001-999.

4. The modems interfacing each communication port execute the dialingdirectory file discussed above and obtain a connection with thetelephone line on the host unit. The program automatically sends thecellular strings from each communications port to initialize the modemson the host unit. All other settings such as baud rate, protocol, andmiscellaneous AT commands, are preset in the remote and host unit. Thetransmission system operates using a Z modem-based protocol.

5. Each communications port executes a dialing directory (DIR) commandto locate a file containing an archived bit set. Once a file is located,it is retrieved, the archived bit set removed, and the 10K filetransmitted from that line. It is not necessary for the stored files tobe transmitted in sequential order since the host unit will recombinethe file using the numbering system discussed above. If an error occursduring transmission, the program puts the archived bit set back on thefile so that the 10K file can be transmitted from another line. Oncetransmission of a 10K file is complete, the file is saved on the harddisc, and another having an archived bit set is received andtransmitted.

6. The 10K file files containing archived bit sets are retrieved,transmitted, and stored until all have been sent. When a communicationsport finds no more files having archived bit sets, it hangs upautomatically.

7. If a cellular line loses communications with the host unit or ifinterference prohibits accurate transmission of a file, the line willdrop out, and the remaining files will be transmitted from the remainingports.

8. All of the transmitted, restored, 10K files are recombined into acomplete data file.

Files may be transmitted using telephone lines, cellular, radio andother telemetric frequencies. In the preferred embodiment, cellulartelephones are integrated with the remote unit to allow transmission offiles from areas which are inaccessible to standard telephone lines. Itmay be desirable, in certain specialized applications, to transmit froma single remote location or locations where standard telephone lines areaccessible. The remote unit may still be portable as long as a telephonejack is available for transmission. In that event, the cellulartelephones are omitted from the remote, and the modems connected tostandard telephone jacks, using standard telephone connectors andwiring.

In areas which are inaccessible to standard telephone lines and outsidecellular telephone "cell," files can be transmitted using radiofrequencies. In order to accomplish this, the cellular telephones in theremote are replaced with radio transmitters. Corresponding radioreceivers are then installed in the host unit to receive the signaltransmitted from the remote. Each transmitter operates using a differentfrequency so as to keep each signal segregated.

Transmission of the data file is accomplished automatically by theremote unit once transfer button 26 of FIG. 2 is selected. This allowsthe operator freedom to pursue other video clips for subsequent transferand submission during the transmission process. In this manner, theinvention provides rapid access and broadcasts the video segments fromlocations generally inaccessible and cost prohibitive much faster thanconventional methods.

In situations where news teams are sent out in a vehicle to obtain videosegments, an inverter could be installed in the vehicle to convert DCfrom its battery to AC to be used by the remote unit. In addition, fiveDB gain antennas could be mounted on the vehicle to improve transmissionquality of the cellular signal. An antenna would be mounted on thevehicle for each cellular telephone in the remote unit. A video signalcould then be captured at one remote location, transfer button 26selected, and the remote unit transported in the vehicle to a differentlocation while it is transmitting the file.

In order to decrease transmission time of the data file, it may be splitinto 10K files and transmitted over multiple land telephone lines,cellular telephones, or radio frequencies.

FILE SPLITTING SOFTWARE C

1. After transfer button 26 of FIG. 2 is selected, COM1 opens the maindata file and begins splitting that file into 10K files.

2. A DOS archive bit set is fixed to each 10K file. This archive bit setallows the transfer software sequence B to determine whether a file onthe directory is a file to be transmitted. It also enables it todetermine whether a file has already been transmitted. As each file isretrieved, the DOS archive bit set is removed prior to transmission.Transmission is complete when there are no files left on the directorycontaining a DOS archive bit set. Each cellular line on the remote willhang up automatically.

3. After all of the 10K file files have been transmitted and each phoneline has hung up, COM1 begins piecing the 10K files back together. Thisis accomplished by sequential read-write operation. A master data fileis opened, and then the files are counted between 001-999 (or until allfiles are used) and pieced together in their sequential order. Twenty K(20K) pieces are read, the file is created, and then written until theentire data file has been combined.

The host unit 3 of FIG. 1 is automated to receive a data filetransmitted from remote unit 2. Host unit 3 is a personal computerhaving a 486DX-2/66 motherboard, 210 Mb hard disk drive, monitor, highspeed serial ports, 1 MB Windows accelerator video card, MS DOS Ver. 6.2operating system, trackball bus mouse, Microsoft® Windows™ Ver. 3.1,Novell® Netware Lite™, 16 Bit Ethernet card, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive.Host unit 3 also has up to four (4) modems connected to up to four (4)separate telephone lines to receive a signal transmitted from eachcellular telephone of the remote. It is not necessary to installcellular telephones in host unit 3 unless it will be transported fromlocation to location. In the general application, however, host unit 3will be installed at a single location and wired to one to fourtelephone lines.

The number of modems in host unit 3 corresponds to the number of modemsused in the remote unit 2. If radio transmitters are used in remote unit2 instead of telephones, radio receivers would be installed in host unit3 so that there is a corresponding radio receiver for each radiotransmitter. Each radio receiver in host unit 3 is set to the samefrequency as the radio transmitter in remote unit 2 from which it willreceive transmitted data files.

The four modems in host unit 3 receive the data file transmitted by thefour cellular telephones in remote unit 2 in 10K files. Host unit 3recombines the split data file and copies it to a network hard diskdrive for access by playback unit 4. The hard disk drive on host unit 3stores only software necessary to run the functions of host unit 3. Datafiles received from remote unit 2 are stored on hard disk drive ofplayback unit 4. Host unit 3 and playback unit 4 are networked together.A pier-to-pier network, such as "Novell Lite™" by Novell® isparticularly suitable for this purpose. When host unit 3 is turned on,it automatically runs host boot software sequence D.

HOST BOOT SOFTWARE SEQUENCE D

1. Host unit 3 looks for the server device on the network. Playback unit4 is addressed as the network server.

2. Host unit 3 logs onto the network as host.

3. Drive letter E: is mapped as "play here." Drive E: is a RAM drive inwhich data files are stored for immediate playback and viewed on an NTSCmonitor or output to the master control.

4. Drive letter F: is mapped as "save here." This is the subdirectory onthe hard disk drive of playback unit 4 to which host unit 3 stores datafiles received from remote unit 2.

5. Host unit 3 loads Windows™ or another suitable operating environment.

6. File reception software sequence E is initiated. File receptionsoftware sequence E allows host unit 3 to wait for and receive incomingdata files automatically.

One host unit can support as many as thirty (30) remote units. The hostunit can only receive a transmitted data file from one remote unit atany given time, however.

File reception software sequence E is essentially the same as transfersoftware sequence B. File reception software sequence S automates eachtelephone line end modem of host unit 3 to obtain communication witheach cellular telephone of remote unit 2 and receive the transmitteddata file in 10K files and recombine the data file for storage on thehard disk drive of playback unit 4.

FILE RECEPTION SOFTWARE SEQUENCE E

1. The first program called by host boot software sequence D for acommunications port "COM1" controls the file reception process on hostunit 3. "COM1" also controls the monitor display notifying the operatorof the throughput, size of the file, and percentage complete.

2. Each of the other communications ports communicates with "COM1" inthe WINDOWS™ environment, using dynamic data exchange (DDE). DDE isknown in the industry and allows multiple applications to shareinformation.

3. The modem's interfacing with each communications port are all readyto receive the cellular string transmitted by each cellular telephone inremote unit 2. Upon receipt of the cellular strings, the modem is readyto receive transmitted data. All other settings such as baud rate,protocol, and miscellaneous AT commands are preset in the host unit inorder to automate the file receiving process.

4. As each COM port on remote unit 2 completes transfer of the data filein 10K files, the line will immediately drop out until all four lineshave hung up.

5. Host unit 3 then recombines the 10K files into a complete data fileusing a sequential read/write operation. A master data file is opened inthe E: subdirectory on the hard disk drive of the playback unit. The 10Kfiles are then assembled according to their file extension created byremote unit 2 when the data file was split. The 10K files are assembledsequentially between 001 and 999. Twenty kilobyte (20K) pieces are readand then written until the entire data file has been recombined andstored on the network hard drive of playback unit 4.

6. Host unit 3 then executes line 1 of this file reception softwaresequence E and COM1 awaits connection with remote unit 2 to receiveanother transmitted data file.

Playback unit 4 of FIG. 1 is the interface between captured video andthe station master control which outputs the signal. In the preferredembodiment, playback unit 4 is a personal computer with a 486DX-2/66motherboard, 210 Mb hard disk drive, 1.44MB floppy drive, high speedserial ports, 1 MB Windows accelerator video card, MS DOS Ver. 6.2operating system, Microsoft® Windows™, Microsoft® Video for Windows,Novell® Netware Lite™, trackball bus mouse, video decompression card,audio decompression card, VGA video to NTSC scan converter, and 16 bitethernet card. Playback unit 4 is automated so that upon boot, it logsinto the network, accesses its multi-tasking environment such asWindows™, and is ready to retrieve and play stored data files.

PLAYBACK BOOT SOFTWARE SEQUENCE F

1. Playback unit 4 initializes network, with playback unit 4 being theserver.

2. Playback unit 4 logs into the network as player.

3. Drive letter E: is mapped as "Play Here." Drive E: is a RAM drive inwhich data files are stored for immediate playback, viewed on an NTSCmonitor, or output to the station's master control.

4. Driver letter F: is mapped as "Save Here." This is the subdirectoryon the hard disk drive of playback unit 4 wherein which host unit 3stores data files received from remote unit 2.

5. Playback unit 4 executes WINDOWS™ or similar suitable multi-taskingenvironment such as OS/2 from IBM, UNIX, or Novell®.

6. WINDOWS™ is automated to bring up the file manager. Once therecombined data file has been stored on a network hard disk drive ofplayback unit 4, the data file may either remain stored for later use,edited, or retrieved for output to the master control. It may beadvantageous to have numerous host units networked with a singleplayback unit so that numerous data files can be received from numerousremote units simultaneously. Alternatively, in a basic embodiment, hostunit 3 and playback unit 4 could be integrated into a singlehost/playback unit.

Playback unit 4 has a video card installed in an expansion slot. Thisvideo card is similar as the video card installed in remote unit 2 withthe exception that the capture module is not necessary. When a data fileis retrieved by playback unit 4 for output to the master control, thevideo card decompresses the file and converts the digitized data to VGA.

If a data file received by host unit 3 is for immediate playback, it is"stored" in the E: drive. The E: drive is a drive for temporary storageof the data file for immediate playback or output to the master control.

If the data file received by host unit 3 is for later playback oroutput, it is saved in the F: drive for later retrieval. The F: drive isa subdirectory of the hard disk drive of playback unit 4 for storage ofdata files.

Once decompressed and converted to VGA, a scan converter card installedin playback unit 4 converts the VGA signal to the desired broadcastsignal. Although "NTSC" is the most common broadcast signal, the signalcould also be converted to "PAL," "Y/C video," or other broadcast signalas required. This "NTSC" signal output from the scan converter card canbe viewed on an "NTSC" monitor for immediate playback for broadcast, orstored on video tape or other conventional means for later use.

While the invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in thedetails of construction without departing from the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure. It is understood that the invention is not limited tothe embodiment set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but isto be limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims,including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof isentitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for transmission of data, comprising:a mobile remote unit including:a.) means for capturing, digitizing, and compressing at least one composite signal; b.) means for storing said composite signal; c.) means for transmitting said composite signal; a host unit including:a.) means for receiving at least one composite signal transmitted by the remote unit; a playback unit including:a.) means for exchanging data with said host unit; b.) means for storing the composite signal received by the host unit; c.) means for decompressing said composite signal.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the host unit and the playback unit are combined in a single computer.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the composite signal is transmitted over telephone lines, cellular, radio or other telemetric frequencies.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 3 further including means for splitting and organizing the digitized, compressed audio and/or video signal prior to transmission.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for capturing, digitizing, and compressing said composite signal includes a video capture device installed in said remote unit to capture said composite signal in real time.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the means for capturing, compressing and digitizing said Composite signal includes an audio capture device installed in said remote unit.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the means for transmitting the composite signal includes: at least one interface installed in conjunction with said remote unit; a cellular telephone connected to each said interface.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for decompressing said video signal includes a decompression board in said playback unit.
 9. An apparatus for transmission of data from a remote location to a host location, comprising:a remote unit capable of receiving a composite signal; said remote unit being a computer, including:a.) a video capture module to capture, digitize and, compress said composite signal into a data file; b.) at least two computer interfaces; c.) means for splitting said data file into pieces; d.) means for tagging said pieces in sequential order; e.) means for storing said data file; f.) means for transmitting said sequentially tagged pieces through said interfaces; a host unit; said host unit being a computer, including:a.) at least two computer interfaces for receiving said sequentially tagged pieces transmitted from said remote unit wherein said interfaces being connected correspondingly with said interfaces in said remote unit; b.) means for recombining the sequentially tagged pieces into their original order to form a second data file; a playback unit; said playback unit being a personal computer, including:a.) means for exchanging data with said host unit; b.) means for storing the second data file received by the host unit; c.) means for decompressing said second data file; d.) means for converting said second data file to a broadcast signal.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the remote unit includes a cellular telephone connected to each computer interface.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the remote unit includes a transmitter connected to each computer interface such that each transmitter transmits at a different frequency.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1 including means for converting said composite signal to a VGA signal.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 12 further including means for converting said VGA signal to a broadcast signal.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said means for converting said VGA signal to a broadcast signal includes a scan converter card.
 15. An apparatus for transmission of data, comprising:a computer including a video capture module to capture and compress video in real time; means for transmission of said captured video over a cellular frequency.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means for transmission of said captured video over a cellular frequency includes;at least two interfaces operating in conjunction with said computer; a cellular telephone connected to each said interface.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 further including means for splitting the captured video into pieces for transmission through said interfaces.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 1 including means for converting said composite signal to a broadcast signal.
 19. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said remote unit is mobile.
 20. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said video capture module on said video card captures, digitizes and compresses said composite signal in real time.
 21. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the remote unit includes a telephone line connected to each computer interface.
 22. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said interfaces are capable of simultaneous transmission.
 23. An apparatus according to claim 9 including means for converting said composite signal to a VGA signal.
 24. An apparatus according to claim 23 further including means for converting said VGA signal to a broadcast signal.
 25. An apparatus according to claim 9 including means for converting said composite signal to a broadcast signal.
 26. An apparatus for transmission of data from a remote location to a host location, comprising:a remote unit, including:a.) a video capture device to capture and digitize said composite signal into a data file; b.) at least two computer interfaces; c.) means for splitting said data file into pieces; d.) means for tagging said pieces in sequential order; f.) means for transmitting said tagged pieces through said interfaces wherein said interfaces are capable of simultaneous transmission; a host unit, including:a.) at least two computer interfaces for receiving said tagged pieces transmitted from said remote unit wherein said interfaces are capable of simultaneous data reception; b.) means for recombining the tagged pieces into their original sequential order.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the composite signal is transmitted over telephone lines, cellular, radio or other telemetric frequencies.
 28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the data file is compressed prior to transmission by the remote unit.
 29. An apparatus according to claim 26 including means for converting said composite signal to a VGA signal.
 30. An apparatus according to claim 29 further including means for converting said VGA signal to a broadcast signal.
 31. An apparatus according to claim 26 including means for converting said composite signal to a broadcast signal.
 32. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the tagged pieces are transmitted from said remote unit to said host unit over telephone lines, cellular, radio or other telemetric frequencies.
 33. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein said remote unit is mobile.
 34. An apparatus according to claim 26 wherein said remote unit captures and digitizes the composite signal in real time. 